I have a Belkin Wireless G router, but run Kerio firewall as well. I do realize NAT routers don't require a software firewall, but what about wireless routers? If I don't need one, I'd love to get those resources back.
2006-09-08 08:12:48 · 7 answers · asked by ? 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Your router has a firewall. The hardware firewall (Like in a router) is better than the software ones because a virus on your computer can't disable it. So no, you don't need one.
The router firewall will be set to allow any outbound traffic and you can tighten that down. Most home users don't like to because it gets in the way, but you can keep control over outbound traffic if you do. Again this would prevent software from sending info out on a non-standard port as several viruses are known to do.
2006-09-08 08:20:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you really do if you want to be as protected as possible. There is a concept in computer security called "defense in depth", which basically means that you have security layers around what you are trying to protect. So, in your case, you will have a firewall on your wireless router, plus you have the Kerio on your PC. The theory is that if someone malicious gets past your wireless router firewall, they still have to break your PC's firewall. If you only have 1 layer, then it is easier to get past it.
If you want to drop Kerio and you are running Windows XP SP2, then you can turn on the built-in firewall via the Security Center (from the Control Panel). I think that takes less resources than Kerio and is actually a pretty good, non-obtrusive firewall.
2006-09-08 18:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by Vik V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, a router is a router, wireless or otherwise.
And while harware and software firewalls do many of the same things, some people do like the software firewalls simply because they visually let you know when something is trying to access the internet, so some people like that.
A hardware router isn't going to do that. That really isn't what it's designed for.
So in the end, it really is about what YOU want. Do you want to know when programs are trying to access the internet? If so, you need the software firewall.
If all you really want is protection from the outside world, then the hardware router is the way to go.
Geff
2006-09-08 15:50:34 · answer #3 · answered by Geff L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's still a router, so it has a NAT firewall. You could keep the software firewall, but it's not necessary since you are behind a router. Although, a router isn't fullproof, but it's a very good start.
2006-09-08 15:16:00 · answer #4 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Unless you're using WPA encryption on your wireless you need a firewall on your computer.
2006-09-08 15:19:19 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes .. well you dont actually need it but its always good to have protection !
2006-09-08 15:15:20 · answer #6 · answered by glitterx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!!
2006-09-08 15:16:29 · answer #7 · answered by jag5845 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋